CT Rep. Corey Paris targeted with death threats after warning of ICE activity in Stamford
Paris said the posts prompted a disturbing response from extremist groups, including the public sharing of his personal information, such as his home address.
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State Rep. Corey Paris said he was subjected to harassment and death threats following social media posts warning constituents about increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Stamford.
Paris said the posts prompted a disturbing response from extremist groups, including the public sharing of his personal information, such as his home address. He said the threats put him and his family in danger.
Some of the responses were amplified by the official ICE account on X, formerly known as Twitter. ICE tagged the U.S. Department of Justice in posts that suggested calling for Paris’ arrest, according to lawmakers.
Sen. Chris Murphy backed Paris, calling the incident a “totalitarian intimidation.”
The Senate Republican Caucus and Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding issued a statement condemning the threats.
“There must be zero tolerance for these threats,” Harding said. “Violence and threats of violence are never acceptable. There is no place for this. It must stop. We condemn it in the strongest of terms, and we are glad Rep. Paris and his family are safe.”
Paris responded with a statement defending his actions and reaffirming his commitment to the community.
“It is unfortunate and alarming to be wrongfully targeted by a federal agency and even called for arrest by the DOJ. However, my commitment to compassion, courage and community — and my refusal to be silenced when the safety of my neighbors is at stake — will never be shaken," he said. “I value the ability to use my platform to stand up for the targeted and voiceless. I do not regret choosing compassion, vigilance and safety for all who call our community home.
"While I may carry the weight of criticism at this moment, our friends and neighbors who are immigrants carry the weight of being targeted, silenced and made voiceless. They live with the constant fear that their families could be disrupted or torn apart...Leadership is not always easy, but it is always necessary,” Paris said. “I will continue to do what I have always promised: to serve, to stand and to speak for those who too often are unheard.”
A press conference set for Wednesday in Hartford will gather lawmakers who will speak out against the threats to Paris.
